Archaeological and Historical Study Report: Middle Chattahoochee Project (FERC #2177), Muscogee and Harris Counties, Georgia Lee and Russell Counties, Alabama

During October and November 1999, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted historical research, archaeological reconnaissance, and limited surveys of shoreline areas in the Middle Chattahoochee Hydroelectric Project (PERC #2177). These investigations were conducted for Georgia Power Company, under a subcontract with CH2M HILL, as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (PERC) hydroelectric project relicensing process (18 CFR Part 4.51 [ 4], Application for License for Major Project-Existing Dam). Georgia Power implemented shoreline investigations to comply with requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) and relevant regulations. The Middle Chattahoochee Project is located on the Chattahoochee River, immediately north of Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. Project lands encompass approximately 3,800 acres in Harris and Muscogee Counties, Georgia, and Lee and Russell Counties, Alabama. Nearly 3,200 acres of this property are inundated in three impoundments (North Highlands, Lake Oliver, and Goat Rock Lake), encompassed by approximately 70 miles (112.6 km) of shoreline. Archaeological reconnaissance and limited shoreline surveys were conducted during 3 to 5 foot drawdowns of the project impoundments. Historical research documented previously recorded archaeological sites within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (PERC) project boundary. All previously recorded sites are on Lake Oliver. Archaeological reconnaissance identified shoreline segments along Goat Rock Lake and Lake Oliver with moderate to high potential for archaeological resources. Sixteen previously recorded sites were revisited during reconnaissance. Limited surveys of selected shoreline segments located and recorded one new archaeological site (9ME965) and two isolated finds, and reexamined one previously recorded site (1LE42). The goals of shoreline investigations did not include development of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility assessments. This level of effort would have required examination of site areas extending outside the PERC project boundary onto private property. However, no intact archaeological deposits or features were encountered on shoreline areas within the PERC project boundary. Proposed testing methods for sites recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP are described in this report. Based on results of these investigations, normal project operations will have no additional adverse effect on significant archaeological sites within the PERC project boundary. Information recovered during archaeological and historical studies, and management recommendations for significant archaeological resources will be summarized in the Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP). The CRMP will also address potential effects of undefined future development on significant cultural resources and provide guidelines for avoiding and minimizing these effects.